There are so many things that the Whitsundays are known for: vast, indescribable beaches, pristine turquoise waters, spectacular scenery, exceptional snorkelling opportunities, and outstanding relaxation. Amidst all this splendour, we can’t forget one of the top draws: the islands’ prime location in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Truly, the Whitsundays lay claim to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. During your luxurious yacht charter holiday here in these beautiful islands, you’ll want to take time to engage in many of the activities the Whitsundays have to offer. While you can spend your days sunbathing, snorkelling, shopping, or strolling along the sandy shores, you should also make time to experience some of the fabulous Whitsunday dive sites.

I’m New to Diving!

Never tried scuba diving before? No problem! The Whitsundays are a great location to receive your diving training. Several reputable and knowledgeable companies in the area offer beginning scuba diving training. Learning from top professional instructors, you can complete a PADI Open Water Diver Course in only 4 days and be certified and ready for diving. Some of the courses even have e-training portions, which you can finish before arriving in the Whitsundays. You can conveniently complete such courses in Airlie Beach, where our Queensland Yacht Charter headquarters are located. Finish your diving course, nab that certification, and get ready to head out on your own private bareboat yacht charter, where adventures await.

Ready to Go

Now that you’re scuba dive certified, you’re all set to go. Time to climb aboard your chartered yacht and head to some of the best dive sites to be found in the Whitsundays. With 74 islands to explore, it may be hard to know where to begin. Just off Airlie Beach, you’ll find a dive site called the Hangover, situated on the Great Barrier Reef. The Hangover is a wall dive with a varied and interesting structure to be discovered while diving. In this area you’ll find large fish such as barramundi and giant trevally. If you’re looking for beautiful coral, you might want to check out Caves and Canyons located on Hook Reef. This 60 metre wall has a 20 metre shelf. The terrain of this reef is breathtaking, and underwater photographers will relish snapping incredible shots of the seascape. Sailing over to Hamilton Island, you can dive in the well-known Stepping Stones area on Bait Reef. This dive site has an interesting layout in which coral pinnacles with flat surfaces seem to form a stepping stone design. Also a great spot for snorkelling, there is much marine life to discover here as you swim amongst the stunning coral and explore many fascinating undersea caves. The Pinnacles dive site is often reputed to be the top spot in the Whitsunday Islands. With gorgeous corals rivalling those found on the outer Great Barrier Reef, this site is located just off Hook Island. Coral formations of all types are found in this area, with a popular spot being just off the western beach. The wildlife observed in this area is tremendous, with manta rays and white tipped reef sharks spotted frequently. While your yacht is moored at Hook Island, there is another great dive site to be explored. Manta Ray Bay is known for its submerged caves and valleys, down to a depth of 25 metres. You’ll see manta rays at this site among other tropical sea life, and you’ll love the variety in the diving. If you are new to the diving scene, a wonderful choice might be Gary’s Lagoon, on Bait Reef. This well surrounded area is calm and protected. Abundant marine life fills the lagoon, such as wobbegongs and turtles. Starting off in the shallower lagoon, an inexperienced diver can grow more comfortable here before venturing further out into nearby deeper waters.

Are You Ready?

With so much to see and do, both onshore and underwater, it’s no wonder the Whitsundays are a tropical playground for visitors from across the globe. If you’re ready to explore these beautiful islands, perhaps with some phenomenal scuba diving, we’d love to get you set up for a premier yacht charter experience. Contact us today at Queensland Yacht Charters for more information on embarking on the holiday of a lifetime.